Boeing and Red 6 Soar into New Realms with Their Pioneering Augmented Reality Flight Test

Boeing partnered with Red 6 to successfully integrate and operate augmented reality (AR) within a TA-4J tactical aircraft, paving the way for further integration and evaluation of the system in a T-7 advanced training aircraft.

Last September, Boeing and Red 6 revealed an agreement to incorporate Red 6’s Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS) alongside the Augmented Reality Command and Analytic Data Environment into combat aircraft.

“Boeing stands as the inaugural company to collaborate with Red 6 on such innovative training technology,” stated Donn Yates, executive director, Boeing Air Force Fighters and Trainers Business Development. “The successful lineup of ground evaluations and four flight missions showcase our joint capacity to swiftly integrate, provide, and assess new technologies that could revolutionize fighter pilot training for generations. The fusion of Boeing’s platforms, capabilities, and expertise with pioneering firms like Red 6 leads to superior products and services for the military personnel.”

Employing Red 6’s advanced patented technology, aviators will have the ability to view and engage with virtual aircraft, targets, and threats both on the ground and aloft, all while experiencing the cognitive demands of physically piloting the aircraft.

“We take immense pride in our team’s commitment to transition from integration into the TA-4J to successfully operating the technology in under a year,” expressed Thomas “Guns” Bergeson, president, Red 6. “Our aim remains focused on providing a fully synthetic, outdoor training ecosystem that will revolutionize preparation for future combat pilots. The synergy of the T-7 and ATARS will herald a new era in training, directly enhancing preparedness and combat effectiveness.”

Boeing’s Air Dominance division continues to forge partnerships with startups across the sector, in pursuit of innovative and state-of-the-art systems like ATARS. The testbed capabilities created by Boeing and unconventional industry collaborators mitigate risks for forthcoming initiatives.